Will this be the “final” round in the Ebola battle?

When I was in working in Liberia, a group of us came up with the campaign, “Ebola Must Go”, at the behest of the President of Liberia, Madam Ellen Sirleaf Johnson. The campaign’s goal was simple – get rid of Ebola. So far… Liberia is in the lead amongst the 3 worst affected countries… Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone… in the fight against Ebola. Last week, Liberia discharged its final patient and is now counting down to becoming the first country to go 42 days without a case of EVD.

According to the WHO Ebola guidelines, a country must go through two rounds of incubation periods (21-days) to be officially declared “Ebola free”.

On Monday, March 9, 2015, Sierra Leone registered 12 new confirmed EVD cases… so we’re quite a ways behind. More on the numbers from SL in another post…

I’m now back in Sierra Leone… and have been working with the SL Association of Journalists on a campaign to end Ebola in Sierra Leone.

The Yellow Ribbon Campaign to End Ebola

This campaign is a massive crusade initiated through the print, electronic and social media and will draw on the unique strength of SLAJ whose membership is spread across the country. The SLAJ membership controls the media – across the airwaves and along the streets. The media will be used to drive the campaign but it’s anticipated that many, many organizations and institutions will jump on board. 

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to join the campaign and display the yellow ribbon as a demonstration of their commitment to end Ebola.

“The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists is stepping up its intervention in the fight to rid the country of Ebola,” says SLAJ President, Kelvin Lewis. “We are acting together, as a media industry, as families, community members, concerned citizens and as patriots. We, the media, are taking action against Ebola.”

The SLAJ Yellow Ribbon campaign to End Ebola was launched on February 14^th and flashes of yellow can be seen around the historic cotton tree (in central Freetown), outside buildings, around trees, swinging from clock towers in provincial towns, adorning gates and on the lapels of journalists and Ebola responders.

·       The Yellow Ribbon recognizes and appreciates those who are committed to fighting Ebola including healthcare workers, security forces and journalists.

·       The Yellow Ribbon symbolizes the commitment of individuals, groups and institutions taking action to end Ebola in Sierra Leone – and across the region.

·       The Yellow Ribbon represents a commitment to protect yourself, your family and your country by changing dangerous behaviours and adopting key activities.

Yellow ribbons will soon take over the city and the nation symbolizing Sierra Leone’s commitment to ending Ebola. The yellow ribbon brand will be associated with the fight – and victory – over Ebola using the four basic activities and key messages.

All Yellow Ribbons point to the Four Key Messages

The Yellow Ribbon campaign to End Ebola is predicated on FOUR KEY MESSAGES (with specific directions) that everyone must do to end Ebola in Sierra Leone.

Bury all dead bodies safely

·      Call 117 and tell your community leader if you know someone has died

·      Do not touch, bathe or bury a dead person. Do not hide dead people

·      Allow only trained people to handle a dead body

Keep sick people away from others

·      Do not touch sick people or things they have used

·      Keep them in their own area and stay 4 steps away

·      Get the person treatment quickly by calling 117 and telling your community leader

Speak out if you know of a sick person

·      Help find everyone who touched or interacted with a person who has Ebola. If you did, stay home - Call 117 and tell your community leader

·      Do not hide sick people - Do not let others hide sick people

·      Anyone who touched or interacted closely with a person with Ebola is a “Contact” who could have Ebola

“Contacts” must stay in one area with food and water

·      Anyone who touches or interacts with a person who has Ebola must stay in their area for 21 days - Make sure “Contacts” do not run away

·      Help health workers find these “Contacts”

·      Give them food and water and encourage them – talk to your community leader